Malden's Stadium and Athletic Field Commission will meet Thursday to vote on terms of a deal to allow the start-up team, co-owned by Malden's Bill Spadafora, to use the Pearl Street site as its home field.

Mayor Gary Christenson was optimistic about reaching a deal when reached by phone Monday, but declined to discuss the specifics of the negotiation.

"At this point we're just in the negotiation phase," he said. "Until those conclude, I think it would be premature to discuss the terms."

Christenson acknowledged that the possibility of allowing the team to serve alcohol during games had been discussed.

"I would be open to the possibility, in conjunction with the local councilor and that neighborhood," he said. "I'm certainly intrigued."

The team -- coached by a group of ex-New England Patriots, led by Patrick Pass -- has already held a series of combines in Malden as it looks to fill out its roster. An announcement from the league on Jan. 16 said a deal had been reached with the city's stadium commission. Christenson said that was due to a "miscommunication."

Christenson said he hopes a deal would be worked out, and that, if the team is successful, a long-term agreement could be reached to keep the Freedom Fighters in Malden.

"If it flourishes, it could be another great development in the City of Malden," he said.

The stadium commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the mayor's conference room at Malden Government Center.